One person is dead, and another is seriously injured following a stabbing attack on Thursday, September 19 near Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The suspect, a 22-year-old man, was reportedly armed with two large knives and attacked people at random before being arrested by local police. The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act.
The attack began in an underground parking garage beneath Erasmus Bridge, a well-known landmark in Rotterdam. The assailant reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” meaning “God is great” in Arabic, as he assaulted the victims. According to the police, a 32-year-old man from Rotterdam was fatally injured, while a 33-year-old Swiss man was seriously wounded but has since been released from the hospital.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as the suspect moved from the parking garage to the busy terrace near Erasmus Bridge, where he launched another attack.
After attacking the two victims, the suspect reportedly moved toward a crowded area, but bystanders and local police acted swiftly to stop him. Kristel Arntz, a police spokesperson, said that the knife-wielder was believed to have attacked one person in an underground car park and a second victim near the terrace.
The suspect was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the altercation with bystanders. Dutch police are continuing their investigation and have yet to release the identities of the victims or the suspect.
Dutch prosecutors suspect that the attack may have been ideologically motivated, given that the suspect shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault. They have charged him with murder and attempted murder, with a potential terrorist motive. However, prosecutors also noted that other possible motives have not been ruled out.
The Netherlands currently has a terror threat level of four out of five, indicating a realistic possibility of an attack. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities are focusing on witness statements and any potential links to ideological extremism. The Rotterdam Public Prosecution Service stated, “There are indications the suspect may be ideologically driven, but other motives are being considered.”
Local residents have expressed shock and fear following the stabbing, which took place in one of Rotterdam’s most popular areas. The Erasmus Bridge and surrounding locations are known for attracting both locals and tourists, particularly on a Thursday evening when the area is usually filled with people enjoying the waterfront.
This incident comes just weeks after a similar fatal stabbing in neighboring Germany, which was linked to a terrorist group. Although the motives behind the Rotterdam attack are still being investigated, authorities have stepped up security measures and are urging the public to remain vigilant.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned on Monday, where prosecutors will present their case, which includes charges of murder, attempted murder, and possible terrorist intent.
